GREEN LINE PROJECT FINISHING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas is pleased to announce that the project to rehabilitate the Green Line’s D Branch is wrapping up ahead of schedule, allowing train service to resume on Saturday, September 1st. “I want to thank our customers for their understanding and forbearance during this period of important work on our tracks and stations,” said Grabauskas. “The end of this project marks the beginning of a safer, quicker, and more reliable commute for thousands of daily customers.”

During the two-phased shut down of train service on the D branch, work crews completed a number of tasks, including:

the replacement of nearly 16,000 rail ties

upgrading signal and power systems, installing 7 miles of new cable
track re-alignment
cleaning out ditches and improving drainage areas
cutting back tree limbs and brush intruding on the right-of-way
new signage and benches at stations
painting
improvements to lighting at stations
the start of accessibility improvements at Longwood and Brookline Village Stations
renovation of the Hyde Street bridge in Newton

Operating on an accelerated schedule, crews will be able to finish the work this week between Reservoir and Fenway Stations. This will allow for uninterrupted train service from Riverside to Kenmore for the first time since June 22nd. The original schedule called for train service to be restored on Tuesday, September 4th.

“With the Orioles in town this weekend, we encourage Red Sox fans to try the swifter and smoother ride of improved Green Line service to Fenway,” said Grabauskas. “The completed track work is allowing us to increase train speeds from 10 miles an hour in some places to 40 and 50 miles an hour.”

Restoration of train service on the D Branch coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Green Line tunnel. America’s first subway opened on September 1st, 1897. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by offering customers a better and more reliable service,” said Grabauskas.